Sherif Merdani was born in Korçë, Kingdom of Albania. He developed a strong interest in music from an early age, despite coming from a family labeled by the communist regime as having an “unfavorable biography”. Merdani would complete his education at the Pedagogical High School and began his career as a teacher in the village of Backë, in the Skrapar region.
Having the support of composer Agim Krajka, he was offered the chance to perform with the Korçë variety ensemble. After relocating to Tirana for studies, his vocal abilities were further recognized and encouraged by the celebrated singer Vaçe Zela, which greatly contributed to his emergence as a stage performer.[2]
Merdani made his debut at the 8th edition of Festivali i Këngës and went on to participate in several subsequent editions. He achieved the height of his fame in 1971, winning First Prize with the song "Kënga e nënës". The years that followed, would soon mark a turning point in his career, as government authorities initiated a harsh crackdown against artistic expression and cultural reformation.[3]
Merdani was arrested in Librazhd, where he was employed at the Palace of Culture. On 2 October 1973, the District Court convicted him of “agitation and propaganda,” sentencing him to ten years in prison. While serving his term in the Spaç Prison, he was given an additional ten-year sentence.
In total, he spent sixteen years incarcerated, serving time in Spaç, Burrel and Qafë Bari, before being released in July 1989.[4]
After the collapse of the regime, Merdani entered Albania's diplomatic service. During the 1990s he served as First Secretary at the Albanian Embassy in Rome and later at the Embassy in Bucharest. Upon returning to Albania, he worked in the Directorate of Culture, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sherif Merdani passed away in Tirana on 29 August 2021.[5] He was married to his wife, Rozalba, with whom they shared a son.[6]
